5 Most Anticipated Christian Music Releases of 2016

With the new year being just 6 days away, here's looking into the new year and seeing what 2016 has to offer as far as Christian music is concerned. Here are out 5 most anticipated Christian music releases for 2016:

5. "Ageless Hymns: Songs of Joy" by Lynda Randle

Known mostly for her alto in the Gaither's Homecoming series, Randle is back with her third hymns album. This time she offers 10 hymns that speak of the Christian joy rooted in the Cross of Jesus. But as an added bonus, she has also include 3 African-American spirituals and 1 of her own compositions. Reassuring and uplifting, this recording includes "Old Rugged Cross," "He Touched Me," "Beulah Land," "Oh How I Love Jesus" and more.

4. "Let It Echo" by Jesus Culture

Coming on January 15th, "Let It Echo" is the first album since the internationally acclaimed Jesus Culture severed their link with Redding, California's Bethel Music and set up a new church, record label and home base in Sacramento. Said Jesus Culture's singer, worship leader and the president of Jesus Culture Music, Kim Walker-Smith, "This last year was a tough season for us as a community and the songs we wrote for this album reflect the breakthrough, the victory and the growth we have experienced through that. I believe there is a new maturity in our writing that comes from a place of deep intimacy with Jesus. My hope is that as people listen to the album they will encounter Jesus and be filled with hope, life, joy and fresh passion for his presence. I pray that the message of life and Jesus that fills these songs would echo within the hearts of the listeners and across the nations."

3. "The Call" by Joy Enriquez

Enriquez first came on the scene in 2000 with her first single, the international hit "Tell Me How You Feel." But despite the song's out-of-the-box success and an eagerly anticipated debut album, something wasn't right. Fast forward to 2015. Enriquez is now poised to be the next major inspirational artist with "Hallelujah." The uplifting anthem, featuring classical violinist phenom Lindsey Stirling, signals the official launch of Lifestyle Music Group (LMG).

2. "God's Not Dead: The Greatest Hits of the Newsboys" by Newsboys

One of CCM's most successful groups, Newsboys returns with their greatest hits on February 12th. God's Not Dead - The Greatest Hits of the Newsboys" pairs the now RIAA Certified Platinum-selling single, "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)" with some of the band's biggest hits including "Born Again" and "Revelation Song." One of Christian music's most popular bands, The Newsboys have now sold over 7 million albums, earned five RIAA Certified Gold albums and nearly 30 #1 Christian radio hits. This collection not only features many of the band's radio hits but also their top worship songs sung by both Peter Furler and Michael Tait.

1. "Hymns that Are Impotant to Us" by Joey + Rory

Arriving on Valentine's Day, "Hymns" could be the last album by this country couple. Joey Feek is in the last stages of Stage IV cervical cancer. The couple have ceased all treatment. So, it's with heaviness and joy, we anticipate this new album where the couple offers acoustic takes of their favorite hymns such as "In the Garden," "Amazing Grace," and others.